春日大社を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、春日大社に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 春日大社の概要:
- 藤原氏によって西暦768年に創建
- 世界遺産「古都奈良の文化財」の一部
- 万灯籠祭り:
- 春日大社で年に2回行われる祭り
- 数千の石灯籠と銅灯籠が点灯され、幻想的な雰囲気が楽しめる
- 式年造替:
- 約20年ごとに神社の建物を建て替える儀式
- 伝統的な技術を守り、神社を新しく保つ目的
- 春日山原始林:
- 春日大社を取り囲む森で、1,200年以上にわたって手つかずの自然が守られている
- この森は世界遺産にも登録されている
- 鹿と神社の関係:
- 鹿は春日大社の神の使いとされ、奈良公園内で自由に歩き回っている
2人が春日大社について話しています。
春日大社の歴史、灯籠祭り、式年造替、春日山原始林、神聖な鹿、アクセス方法などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been thinking about visiting Kasuga Taisha in Nara. I’ve heard so much about it lately, but I’d love to know more. Have you ever been?
Yes, I have! Kasuga Taisha is definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, and it has a history dating back to 768 AD. It was built by the Fujiwara family, who were really powerful back then.
I see. I’m particularly interested in the festivals there. I read about the lantern festival—what’s that all about?
Ah, you’re talking about the Mantoro festivals. Twice a year, during Setsubun in February and Obon in August, they light thousands of stone and bronze lanterns all around the shrine. It creates such a mystical atmosphere. People say it feels like you’re stepping back in time.
That sounds amazing! And those lanterns—how many are there?
There are about 3,000 lanterns in total. Most of them are stone lanterns along the paths, but there are also bronze lanterns hanging around the shrine buildings. It’s one of the most iconic sights at Kasuga Taisha.
I also heard about a ritual called “Shikinen Zotai.” They rebuild the shrine every 20 years, right?
Exactly! The Shikinen Zotai is a very old tradition. They rebuild the shrine to renew it and honor the gods. It’s similar to what they do at Ise Jingu. This ritual has been carried on for centuries and shows the deep respect for preserving traditional craftsmanship and the connection with the gods.
Wow, that’s impressive. I’ve also heard about the deer that live around the shrine. Are they really sacred?
Yes, the deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods. According to legend, one of the gods of Kasuga Taisha came to Nara riding a white deer. Since then, the deer have been protected, and they freely roam around Nara Park and the shrine.
That’s so interesting! I didn’t realize the connection between the deer and the shrine’s mythology. What else makes Kasuga Taisha special?
Well, besides the lanterns and the deer, the shrine is located within the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. This forest has been untouched for over 1,200 years. Walking through it feels really peaceful and spiritual. The forest itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the shrine.
It sounds like a beautiful place, with so much history and nature combined. How big is the shrine complex?
It’s quite large! The shrine has several smaller auxiliary shrines and stretches across a big area within Nara Park. It’s also close to other famous landmarks like Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, so you can easily spend the whole day exploring.
How do you get there? Is it easy to access?
Very easy! You can walk from either JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station. It’s about a 20-30 minute walk through Nara Park. You can also take a bus if you prefer. The buses stop right near the shrine’s entrance.
Sounds like it’s pretty convenient. I’m definitely going to visit. Is there anything else I should know before I go?
Just remember to take your time and enjoy the surroundings. The combination of nature, history, and spirituality is what makes Kasuga Taisha so special. Oh, and don’t forget to buy some deer crackers to feed the deer! They love them.
I’ll definitely do that. Thanks, Key! I’m really looking forward to experiencing everything you’ve described.
You’ll love it, Mack. Kasuga Taisha is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression.
関連情報 / related information
「春日大社」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
春日大社
Overview of Kasuga Taisha
Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 768 AD by the powerful Fujiwara family. The shrine is home to about 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, which are an iconic feature of the site. Kasuga Taisha is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance. It remains a popular place for worship today.
Lantern Festivals
One of the most famous events at Kasuga Taisha is the Mantoro Festival. This happens twice a year, during Setsubun in February and Obon in August. During the festival, thousands of stone and bronze lanterns are lit around the shrine. The soft glow of the lanterns creates a magical and spiritual atmosphere that attracts many visitors. The 3,000 lanterns are a central and iconic part of the shrine’s beauty.
Shikinen Zotai Ritual
Every 20 years, a special ritual called the Shikinen Zotai takes place at Kasuga Taisha. In this ritual, the buildings of the shrine are rebuilt to renew the space and show respect to the gods. This tradition has been carried on for centuries and helps preserve the shrine’s connection to history and craftsmanship. It reflects the deep respect for traditional skills and the shrine’s spiritual significance.
Sacred Deer and Forest
The shrine is surrounded by the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, which has been untouched for over 1,200 years. This forest is part of the shrine’s sacred environment and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The deer that roam freely around the shrine are considered sacred messengers of the gods. These deer are protected and are a beloved part of the Kasuga Taisha experience, making the visit even more special and unique.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「春日大社」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Kasuga Taisha?
Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 768 AD by the powerful Fujiwara family and is known for its beautiful lanterns and long history.
2: Why is Kasuga Taisha famous?
Kasuga Taisha is famous for its 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, which are lit during special festivals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its cultural and historical significance.
3: What are the Mantoro Festivals?
The Mantoro Festivals are held twice a year at Kasuga Taisha, during Setsubun in February and Obon in August. During these festivals, thousands of lanterns are lit, creating a magical atmosphere.
4: How many lanterns are there at Kasuga Taisha?
There are about 3,000 lanterns at Kasuga Taisha. Most are stone lanterns along the paths, while bronze lanterns hang around the shrine buildings.
5: What is the Shikinen Zotai?
Shikinen Zotai is a special ritual at Kasuga Taisha that happens every 20 years. During this ritual, the buildings of the shrine are rebuilt to renew the space and honor the gods.
6: Why are the deer at Kasuga Taisha special?
The deer at Kasuga Taisha are considered sacred messengers of the gods. They roam freely around the shrine and are protected as part of the shrine’s spiritual environment.
7: What is the Kasugayama Primeval Forest?
The Kasugayama Primeval Forest is an ancient forest that surrounds Kasuga Taisha. It has been untouched for over 1,200 years and is part of the shrine’s sacred environment.
8: Is Kasuga Taisha a World Heritage site?
Yes, Kasuga Taisha is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is recognized for its cultural and historical importance, along with the surrounding Kasugayama Primeval Forest.
9: How can you get to Kasuga Taisha?
Kasuga Taisha is accessible by walking from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, which takes about 20-30 minutes. You can also take a bus that stops near the shrine’s entrance.
10: What is the best time to visit Kasuga Taisha?
The best time to visit Kasuga Taisha is during the Mantoro Festivals in February and August, when the lanterns are lit. It is also beautiful during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been thinking about visiting Kasuga Taisha in Nara. I’ve heard so much about it lately, but I’d love to know more. Have you ever been?
ねぇキー、奈良の春日大社に行こうかと思ってるんだ。最近すごく話題になってるけど、もっと詳しく知りたいんだ。行ったことある？
Yes, I have! Kasuga Taisha is definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, and it has a history dating back to 768 AD. It was built by the Fujiwara family, who were really powerful back then.
うん、行ったことあるよ！春日大社は絶対に行く価値があるよ。日本で最も重要な神社のひとつで、歴史は西暦768年に遡るんだ。藤原氏が建てたんだけど、当時すごく権力を持ってたんだよね。
I see. I’m particularly interested in the festivals there. I read about the lantern festival—what’s that all about?
なるほどね。僕は特にお祭りに興味があるんだ。灯籠祭りについて読んだんだけど、どんな感じなの？
Ah, you’re talking about the Mantoro festivals. Twice a year, during Setsubun in February and Obon in August, they light thousands of stone and bronze lanterns all around the shrine. It creates such a mystical atmosphere. People say it feels like you’re stepping back in time.
ああ、万灯籠のことだね。年に二回、2月の節分と8月のお盆の時期に、神社の周りにある何千もの石灯籠と銅灯籠に火が灯されるんだよ。すごく神秘的な雰囲気になるんだ。まるで昔にタイムスリップしたかのようだって言われてるよ。
That sounds amazing! And those lanterns—how many are there?
それはすごいね！灯籠って、どれくらいあるの？
There are about 3,000 lanterns in total. Most of them are stone lanterns along the paths, but there are also bronze lanterns hanging around the shrine buildings. It’s one of the most iconic sights at Kasuga Taisha.
合計で約3,000基あるよ。ほとんどは参道沿いにある石灯籠だけど、神社の建物の周りには銅灯籠も掛かっているんだ。春日大社の象徴的な風景のひとつだね。
I also heard about a ritual called “Shikinen Zotai.” They rebuild the shrine every 20 years, right?
式年造替っていう儀式も聞いたよ。20年ごとに神社を建て替えるんだよね？
Exactly! The Shikinen Zotai is a very old tradition. They rebuild the shrine to renew it and honor the gods. It’s similar to what they do at Ise Jingu. This ritual has been carried on for centuries and shows the deep respect for preserving traditional craftsmanship and the connection with the gods.
その通り！式年造替はとても古い伝統なんだ。神社を再建することで、新たにし、神々に感謝を捧げるんだ。伊勢神宮で行われていることと似ているよ。この儀式は何世紀も続けられていて、伝統的な技術や神々との結びつきを大切にしているんだ。
Wow, that’s impressive. I’ve also heard about the deer that live around the shrine. Are they really sacred?
すごいね。それに、神社の周りにいる鹿の話も聞いたんだけど、彼らって本当に神聖なの？
Yes, the deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods. According to legend, one of the gods of Kasuga Taisha came to Nara riding a white deer. Since then, the deer have been protected, and they freely roam around Nara Park and the shrine.
そうだよ、鹿は神々の神聖な使いとされているんだ。伝説によれば、春日大社の神の一柱が白い鹿に乗って奈良に来たんだとか。それ以来、鹿は保護されていて、奈良公園や神社の周りを自由に歩いているんだ。
That’s so interesting! I didn’t realize the connection between the deer and the shrine’s mythology. What else makes Kasuga Taisha special?
それは面白いね！鹿と神社の神話にそんなつながりがあるなんて知らなかったよ。他に春日大社を特別にしているものは何かある？
Well, besides the lanterns and the deer, the shrine is located within the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. This forest has been untouched for over 1,200 years. Walking through it feels really peaceful and spiritual. The forest itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the shrine.
そうだね、灯籠や鹿以外にも、春日大社は春日山原始林の中に位置してるんだ。この森は1,200年以上も手つかずの状態で守られてきたんだよ。そこを歩くと本当に静かで、霊的な感じがするんだ。この森も神社と一緒にユネスコの世界遺産に登録されているんだ。
It sounds like a beautiful place, with so much history and nature combined. How big is the shrine complex?
すごく歴史と自然が融合した美しい場所みたいだね。神社の敷地はどれくらいの広さなの？
It’s quite large! The shrine has several smaller auxiliary shrines and stretches across a big area within Nara Park. It’s also close to other famous landmarks like Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, so you can easily spend the whole day exploring.
結構広いよ！いくつかの小さな末社もあって、奈良公園内に広がっているんだ。それに、東大寺や興福寺といった他の有名な名所にも近いから、一日かけて探索できるよ。
How do you get there? Is it easy to access?
どうやって行くの？アクセスは簡単？
Very easy! You can walk from either JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station. It’s about a 20-30 minute walk through Nara Park. You can also take a bus if you prefer. The buses stop right near the shrine’s entrance.
とても簡単だよ！JR奈良駅か近鉄奈良駅から歩いて行けるし、奈良公園を通って20～30分くらいで到着するんだ。バスを使うこともできて、バス停は神社の入口のすぐ近くだよ。
Sounds like it’s pretty convenient. I’m definitely going to visit. Is there anything else I should know before I go?
それは便利だね。絶対に行くことにするよ。行く前に何か他に知っておいたほうがいいことはある？
Just remember to take your time and enjoy the surroundings. The combination of nature, history, and spirituality is what makes Kasuga Taisha so special. Oh, and don’t forget to buy some deer crackers to feed the deer! They love them.
ただ、ゆっくりと時間をかけて周囲を楽しむことを忘れないで。自然、歴史、そして精神性の融合が春日大社を特別にしているんだよ。それと、鹿せんべいを買って鹿にあげるのも忘れないで！鹿はそれが大好きだからね。
I’ll definitely do that. Thanks, Key! I’m really looking forward to experiencing everything you’ve described.
絶対にやってみるよ。ありがとう、キー！君が話してくれたこと全部を体験するのが楽しみだよ。
You’ll love it, Mack. Kasuga Taisha is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression.
きっと気に入るよ、マック。春日大社は、心に残る特別な場所だからね。
関連情報 / related information
春日大社
Overview of Kasuga Taisha
Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 768 AD by the powerful Fujiwara family. The shrine is home to about 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, which are an iconic feature of the site. Kasuga Taisha is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance. It remains a popular place for worship today.
春日大社は、日本の奈良にある有名な神社です。西暦768年に、強力な藤原氏によって創建されました。この神社には、約3,000基の石灯籠や銅灯籠があり、これはこの場所の象徴的な特徴です。また、春日大社はユネスコの世界遺産に登録されており、その文化的および歴史的な重要性が認められています。現在も多くの人々が参拝に訪れる人気の場所です。
Lantern Festivals
One of the most famous events at Kasuga Taisha is the Mantoro Festival. This happens twice a year, during Setsubun in February and Obon in August. During the festival, thousands of stone and bronze lanterns are lit around the shrine. The soft glow of the lanterns creates a magical and spiritual atmosphere that attracts many visitors. The 3,000 lanterns are a central and iconic part of the shrine’s beauty.
春日大社で最も有名な行事の一つが万灯籠祭りです。これは年に二回、2月の節分と8月のお盆の時期に開催されます。この祭りの間、神社の周りにある何千もの石灯籠と銅灯籠に火が灯されます。灯籠の柔らかな光が、魔法のような神秘的な雰囲気を作り出し、多くの訪問者を引き寄せます。3,000基の灯籠は、春日大社の美しさの中心であり、象徴的な存在です。
Shikinen Zotai Ritual
Every 20 years, a special ritual called the Shikinen Zotai takes place at Kasuga Taisha. In this ritual, the buildings of the shrine are rebuilt to renew the space and show respect to the gods. This tradition has been carried on for centuries and helps preserve the shrine’s connection to history and craftsmanship. It reflects the deep respect for traditional skills and the shrine’s spiritual significance.
20年ごとに、春日大社では「式年造替」と呼ばれる特別な儀式が行われます。この儀式では、神社の建物が再建され、空間を新たにし、神々への敬意を表します。この伝統は何世紀にもわたって続けられており、神社と歴史や工芸とのつながりを守り続けています。これは、伝統的な技術に対する深い尊敬と神社の霊的な意義を反映しています。
Sacred Deer and Forest
The shrine is surrounded by the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, which has been untouched for over 1,200 years. This forest is part of the shrine’s sacred environment and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The deer that roam freely around the shrine are considered sacred messengers of the gods. These deer are protected and are a beloved part of the Kasuga Taisha experience, making the visit even more special and unique.
神社は、1,200年以上手つかずのまま守られてきた春日山原始林に囲まれています。この森は神社の神聖な環境の一部であり、またユネスコの世界遺産にも登録されています。神社の周りを自由に歩き回る鹿は、神々の神聖な使いとされています。これらの鹿は保護されており、春日大社の体験の中で重要な存在となっており、訪問をさらに特別でユニークなものにしています。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Kasuga Taisha?
春日大社とは何ですか？
Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 768 AD by the powerful Fujiwara family and is known for its beautiful lanterns and long history.
春日大社は、日本の奈良にある有名な神社です。西暦768年に強力な藤原氏によって創建され、美しい灯籠と長い歴史で知られています。
2: Why is Kasuga Taisha famous?
春日大社が有名な理由は何ですか？
Kasuga Taisha is famous for its 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, which are lit during special festivals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its cultural and historical significance.
春日大社は、3,000基の石灯籠や銅灯籠があり、特別な祭りの際に点灯されることで有名です。また、文化的・歴史的な重要性からユネスコの世界遺産にも登録されています。
3: What are the Mantoro Festivals?
万灯籠祭りとは何ですか？
The Mantoro Festivals are held twice a year at Kasuga Taisha, during Setsubun in February and Obon in August. During these festivals, thousands of lanterns are lit, creating a magical atmosphere.
万灯籠祭りは春日大社で年に二回、2月の節分と8月のお盆の時期に開催されます。この祭りでは何千もの灯籠に火が灯され、幻想的な雰囲気が生まれます。
4: How many lanterns are there at Kasuga Taisha?
春日大社には灯籠がいくつありますか？
There are about 3,000 lanterns at Kasuga Taisha. Most are stone lanterns along the paths, while bronze lanterns hang around the shrine buildings.
春日大社には約3,000基の灯籠があります。ほとんどは参道沿いの石灯籠ですが、神社の建物周りには銅灯籠が掛かっています。
5: What is the Shikinen Zotai?
式年造替とは何ですか？
Shikinen Zotai is a special ritual at Kasuga Taisha that happens every 20 years. During this ritual, the buildings of the shrine are rebuilt to renew the space and honor the gods.
式年造替は春日大社で20年ごとに行われる特別な儀式です。この儀式では、神社の建物が再建され、空間を新たにし、神々への敬意を示します。
6: Why are the deer at Kasuga Taisha special?
春日大社の鹿はなぜ特別なのですか？
The deer at Kasuga Taisha are considered sacred messengers of the gods. They roam freely around the shrine and are protected as part of the shrine’s spiritual environment.
春日大社の鹿は、神々の神聖な使いとされています。彼らは神社の周りを自由に歩き回り、神社の霊的な環境の一部として保護されています。
7: What is the Kasugayama Primeval Forest?
春日山原始林とは何ですか？
The Kasugayama Primeval Forest is an ancient forest that surrounds Kasuga Taisha. It has been untouched for over 1,200 years and is part of the shrine’s sacred environment.
春日山原始林は、春日大社を囲む古代の森林です。1,200年以上手つかずのままであり、神社の神聖な環境の一部です。
8: Is Kasuga Taisha a World Heritage site?
春日大社は世界遺産ですか？
Yes, Kasuga Taisha is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is recognized for its cultural and historical importance, along with the surrounding Kasugayama Primeval Forest.
はい、春日大社はユネスコの世界遺産です。その文化的・歴史的な重要性が認められ、周囲の春日山原始林とともに世界遺産に登録されています。
9: How can you get to Kasuga Taisha?
春日大社へはどうやって行けますか？
Kasuga Taisha is accessible by walking from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, which takes about 20-30 minutes. You can also take a bus that stops near the shrine’s entrance.
春日大社へは、JR奈良駅または近鉄奈良駅から徒歩でアクセスでき、約20～30分かかります。神社の入口近くに停まるバスを利用することもできます。
10: What is the best time to visit Kasuga Taisha?
春日大社を訪れるのに最適な時期はいつですか？
The best time to visit Kasuga Taisha is during the Mantoro Festivals in February and August, when the lanterns are lit. It is also beautiful during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
春日大社を訪れるのに最適な時期は、2月と8月の万灯籠祭りの時で、この時は灯籠が点灯されます。また、桜や紅葉の季節も美しいです。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
mystical : 形容詞
意味: 神秘的な、不思議な。Involving spiritual or supernatural elements that are beyond ordinary understanding.
（春日大社の万灯籠祭りの際に灯籠が灯されることで、神秘的な雰囲気を生み出していることを指す）
例文：
- The forest had a mystical aura, especially during the foggy mornings.
「その森は、特に霧の朝には神秘的な雰囲気がありました。」 - The mystical lights during the festival made the night feel magical.
「祭りの際の神秘的な光が夜を魔法のように感じさせました。」 - She had a mystical experience while meditating in the temple.
「彼女は寺での瞑想中に神秘的な体験をしました。」
iconic : 形容詞
意味: 象徴的な、非常に認知されている。Widely recognized and representing a significant concept, culture, or event.
（春日大社の灯籠が、神社の象徴的な特徴として知られていることを指す）
例文：
- The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris.
「エッフェル塔はパリの象徴的なシンボルです。」 - The lanterns at Kasuga Taisha are an iconic feature of the shrine.
「春日大社の灯籠は神社の象徴的な特徴です。」 - His iconic performance in the movie made him a star.
「彼の映画での象徴的な演技が彼をスターにしました。」
rebuild : 動詞
意味: 再建する、修復する。To build something again after it has been damaged or destroyed.
（春日大社の式年造替の儀式で、神社が定期的に再建されることを指す）
例文：
- They decided to rebuild the old church after the earthquake.
「地震後、彼らは古い教会を再建することにしました。」 - Every 20 years, they rebuild the shrine to honor tradition.
「20年ごとに、彼らは伝統を守るために神社を再建します。」 - The city was rebuilt after the war.
「その都市は戦後に再建されました。」
craftsmanship : 名詞
意味: 熟練した技術や職人技。The quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; artistry.
（春日大社の式年造替において、伝統的な職人技が尊重されることを指す）
例文：
- The craftsmanship of the handmade furniture was impressive.
「手作りの家具の職人技は見事でした。」 - The temple’s reconstruction shows excellent craftsmanship passed down through generations.
「寺の再建は、代々受け継がれてきた優れた職人技を示しています。」 - His attention to detail in his paintings is a mark of true craftsmanship.
「彼の絵画における細部へのこだわりは、真の職人技の証です。」
roam : 動詞
意味: 自由に歩き回る。To move or travel aimlessly or without a fixed direction.
（春日大社の鹿が神社周辺を自由に歩き回る様子を指す）
例文：
- The deer roam freely in Nara Park.
「奈良公園では鹿が自由に歩き回っています。」 - She likes to roam the streets of the city, discovering new places.
「彼女は街を自由に歩き回り、新しい場所を発見するのが好きです。」 - The children roamed the fields, playing and laughing.
「子供たちは畑を自由に駆け回り、遊んで笑っていました。」